[Falkirk, 23.02.2026] Falkirk MP Euan Stainbank has welcomed the passing of legislation to remove the two-child limit in Universal Credit, describing it as “a decisive investment in the future of our children and our country”.
The Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill passed its Third Reading in the House of Commons today. The fully funded measure will lift 450,000 children out of poverty across the UK by the final year of this Parliament, with around two million children set to benefit overall.
In Falkirk alone, an estimated 1,750 children will be lifted out of poverty as a direct result of the change.
The two-child limit, introduced in 2017, has been a significant driver of rising child poverty. In 2025/26 alone, around 300,000 children are estimated to be in poverty because of the policy. Under the previous Conservative government, 900,000 more children were pushed into poverty, leaving a record 4.5 million children growing up in hardship.
Mr Stainbank said:
“Every child’s future should be determined by their talent and ambition — not by how many siblings they have. Today, we have taken a major step towards restoring fairness to our social security system.
“In Falkirk alone, around 1,750 children will be lifted out of poverty because Labour has ended this cruel and damaging policy. That means more children with food on the table, warm homes, and a fair start in life.
“This is not a slogan or a political gimmick. It is fully funded and part of a wider strategy to break the cycle of disadvantage that has held too many families back for too long.
“The vast majority of families who will benefit are working families or those who have fallen on hard times through no fault of their own — whether through redundancy, illness, or relationship breakdown. Social security must be there when people need it.
“Growing up in poverty makes it harder to succeed at school, harms mental health, and limits life chances. It also costs our economy billions every year. Lifting children out of poverty is not only the right thing to do morally — it is essential for our country’s long-term prosperity.
“While this Labour Government has acted within 18 months and in our second Budget, consistent with their all talk, no action the SNP Scottish Government has yet to lift the cap in Scotland, despite having had 9 years to do so and having announced it to great fanfare in the budget last year. The SNP talk, Labour deliver.
“This is what Labour values look like in practice: investing in children, supporting working families, and building a fairer future for Falkirk and for Britain.”
The removal of the two-child limit sits alongside wider measures to tackle the cost of living and child poverty, including expanded childcare provision, breakfast clubs, increases to the National Living Wage, and targeted support for families.
ENDS
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